Sorry for your loss Myrna
Remembering you and good times
Maryanne

Bruce started out as a business advisor to me, but a friendship quickly emerged and never faded. Those who knew Bruce knew his wisdom, humour, and always sage advice. We enjoyed our annual lunches together, to catch up and talk about retirement.  Bruce was genuinely one of the good guys and I'll miss our chats. Our heartfelt condolences to Myrna and the family, from Sue and me. 

I wrote this poem for Bruce, 

Winter Elegy

A full snow moon appeared less than a week 
after you’d gone, its light so brilliant, 
it moved me to wonder if life had flashed 
quickly, or if dreams carried you beyond 

the cold valley hills to another springtime, 
to rain falling like sadness on the garden 
wildflowers and wooly thyme, the morning light 
now rising up to meet you.

And did you feel the warmth of the sun 
on your face, as you watched it 
light the world one last time, 
on your journey home?

J.Tom McLean - remembering my friend, R. Bruce Telford 



Bruce was a real gentleman. An intelligent thoughtful man and he had a great sense of humour.  Bruce recruited me for a VP Role in the tech sector here in Kelowna and when I left in 2009 to open my real estate practice he continued to mentor me.  As I got busy we lost touch but I made a point of calling him once a year and sometimes popping by on holidays to have a quick chat and drop a card and a gift.  He was always so generous with his time to me I loved to surprise him and see that huge smile. Sadly, as I got busy in these last few hectic years I never called. When I stopped by this Christmas I was told by Mrs Telford he was in hospital and very ill. I felt terrible I had not called in so long. He was such a great guy. I have called your cell phone since a few times Bruce hoping you made it through and would answer the phone. Tonight after not hearing back from you, I googled and discovered you have passed. You were a great guy. I still have the book of quotes you gave me and I am sure you have impacted many lives with your kind gentle manor and thoughtful wisdom.  I can't call you anymore buddy but you will be in my thoughts this weekend and on family day Monday I can bet there is a big hole at your family table. RIP Bruce. 

Just minutes ago, I began writing Bruce, as I have done several times per year for the past 24 years. It was also time for our annual and lengthy call. I just happened to search online to see if there were Rotary Club updates, and I found this obituary. I am shocked, saddened and speechless, and no one knew more than my great friend Bruce how difficult it is for me to be speechless. Bruce has been my #1 business mentor for a quarter century. My best business lessons have all come from Bruce. Each year, we have had in-depth business discussions, love-of-cars chats, many jokes, and we would get together for lunch or dinner in Vancouver and Scottsdale whenever we could. At each company where I worked, I hired Bruce to find me the top candidates for assignments, and Bruce excelled at that, just like he excelled in every other facet of his life. Several times per year, Bruce even coached me on my personal relationships, and the way he had Myrna on a deserved pedestal was a lesson for any man on how to treat women. I will miss him, as will countless others.

My deepest and  heartfelt sorrow  to Myrna, Rob and Lauren.
I attended SFU with both Myrna and Bruce and heard all about  the blind date and how they met. I danced at their wedding and spent many wonderful and memorble evenings with them so many years ago.
Bruce always greeted one with the biggest smile that  put one at ease  he was a loyal and caring friend.
Myrna, know that I am here for you.


Anne and I were saddened to learn of Bruce’s passing but we knew that his last few months had been very tough going for him.

I will remember Bruce as the finest of neighbours.  He was always approachable, considerate, and helpful.  At a minimum, Bruce and I shared a couple of evenings each year when Myrna and Anne were out celebrating each other’s birthdays.  The ritual always involved a bottle of wine and a tender steak but, more importantly, included shared discussion of our marches through life.  Bruce was an easy guy to talk openly with and he always had a thoughtful tip or two.

Bruce must have worn out more than a couple of pairs of runners in the neighbourhood.  His daily routine included arduous treks up into the hills behind his home in Crawford.

On the backbone of his outgoing personality, Bruce built up a wide network of friends and work associates throughout the province.  I will remember how he repeatedly, beyond the call of duty, used that network to help my son find job opportunities in the trades.  Bruce cared about the people in his life.

Our hearts go out to Myrna, Rob, Lauren & family.  Bruce will be missed!

Stephen Vallentyne & Anne Sullivan

I am very sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. I met Bruce through Rotary and found him to be a very thoughtful and caring person.  He loved his family first and foremost with his community a close second. His mentorship was greatly appreciated and it was a real pleasure to brainstorm over a good steak and bottle of red wine. 

Dear Myrna and Family, 

I am so sad to hear of Bruce's passing and your loss.  He was the kindest person,  always showing interest in what I was doing and so encouraging.   He was particularly supportive when my son was struggling. I will always hold a special place in my heart for Bruce.  My sincere condolences.


My sincere condolences to Myrna, Lauren, and Rob for the loss of their husband and father.

I first met Bruce when I joined the Rotary Club of Kelowna in 2003. It wasn't long before Bruce and I were working on various committees. together. I quickly learned what a great wordsmith Bruce was. He was a tremendous help at putting the exact right words together (some of which, I'd never heard before) in describing the needs of a proposal. I learned a lot from Bruce in those committees.

Where I learned the most however was golfing or lunches together. He was a great conversationalist and a real friend.

It broke my heart to see how Bruce suffered for nearly the last year of his life.

His suffering is now over, and he is in a better place. Perhaps he is actually now able to realize that 300 yard high sweeping gentle draw that we often joked about.

Rest in peace my friend.

Sheldon

I first knew Bruce during my two years at Shawnigan, 1964-66. We were in the same class and the same boarding house. He played a mean game of rugby at scrum half and rowed on the first eight. He was a heck of an athlete and excelled through sheer effort and determination. In the classroom he was a conscientious student while at the same time always ready for some mischief when the opportunity presented itself. He had a twinkle in his eye and liked to play defence with a strong offense. He led the pack on the kibitzing side too!

I saw Bruce infrequently after Shawnigan and most often at alumni events. We connected. He was on top of things, well informed, listened well and kept strong opinions about many topics and always with a sense of humour.

Bruce was a good guy, taken too early and will be sorely missed.

Myrna and Family, 
Chris and I are so very sorry about the passing of Bruce. Please let us know  if we can help you in any way. 
Chris and Maxine DeHart 

As Xerox Reps since the mid 70's, Bruce and I would invade  the business offices of Vancouver and Kelowna together.  On one such visit Bruce introduced me to the girl I've been married to for 39 years; he was always a great judge of character.  Lunch with Bruce was always on the agenda.  After a few lunch guest visits to The Rotary Club of Kelowna with me in 1999, Bruce decided to join Rotary; and quickly became an 'award winning Rotarian' for his eagerness to volunteer, and his quite amazing attention to detail. Never comfortable in the limelight, but a champion in initiatives to serve others, especially young people, and his community. Adios my friend-and yes, it was my turn for lunch.  Myrna, Rob, and Lauren-my sincere condolences-Bruce will be sorely missed.



 
To Myrna , Rob and Lauren, I am so sorry for you loss. We have been neighbours and friends for 27 years as far as I can remember. I will miss my friend . The conversations we had  were too numerous to mention. Mama Rosa's will not be the same for Debbie and I.
 Bruce was the kind of neighbour that would walk across the street for a discussion or be there to help if I ever needed. 
  Debbie and I will always  remember the shared experience of the okanagan mountain park fire, the most stressful of times and how Bruce was a help to me just to get thru it. Thanks Buddy you will be missed. 
with Love
Dean & Debbie Neilsen

Where to start!? Still in shock at the news and the memories are flying by -- two troublemakers wandering West Vancouver with Bruce's paper route. The morning he ran out on the road as I was leaving for work to tell me he asked Myrna to marry him and she said yes! The time I visited them in Burnaby and Myrna couldn't believe we were sitting around (looking at Archie Comics I think) and not talking about anything! Visiting them in Kelowna shortly after the big fire and learning how many pads of paper were scattered through the condo they were living in - what they'd lost in the fire that was suddenly remembered.  It snowed when I was there and lo and behold there was more to add to the list!
School memories galore -- Bruce was accepted to Shawnigan and my Mom and Dad decided I should go there too so it was the day that public school began that I heard I was accepted at Shawnigan so the two trouble makers went to the public school to see friends and tell them so long!
Pride in his family, his work and yes his leisure.
Rest easy good friend  -  see you one day.
Russ 

Sending my deepest condolences to the Telford family. Knowing Bruce was a honour. I grew up along side his daughter, so I got to share some amazing moments and times with him and his family. One such time was Bruce sponsoring me to attend a Rotary Youth Leadership Camp where I learned skills I still reference today in my professional life. Bruce was a great person and I consider myself lucky to have known him.

Shared many good times working with Bruce at Xerox. He was a faithful attendee at our Friday afternoon  weekly” planning”  mtgs at the  OnOn 
Dave Golinsky 

OBITUARY

Robert Bruce Telford

June 2, 1948 – January 30, 2023

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